Since we're making absurd comparisons, what about violentacrez, who moderated a subreddit devoted to creepshots of underage girls?
Should his identity have been withheld because it would hurt his career, or he might be harassed?
Should his identity have been withheld because it would hurt his career, or he might be harassed?
He's a blogger, not an assault victim, but his concerns are similar. Avoiding harassment and physical violence against himself and his family. Avoiding negative consequences on his career.
Why are his concerns less valid than anyone else's? "Because I disagree with him" or "because he talks about ideas I don't think should have a platform" aren't good answers. There's no allegation he hurt anyone, did anything illegal, abused his influence, or acted in bad faith. So what's the journalistic purpose of exposing him?